Los Angeles Dodgers pitching remained in its recent lull and their lineup couldn’t quite make up for the struggles in a 12-10 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in 10 innings. As a result the Dodgers are on a three-game losing streak for the first time this season.
Phillies starter Kyle Gibson had a perfect game through two innings before it was broken up by Chris Taylor ambushing the first pitch he saw for a home run. That set the Dodgers off on a big third inning as doubles by Austin Barnes and Mookie Betts then tied the game.
Max Muncy’s two-out RBI single gave L.A. a lead, and Justin Turner followed that with a two-run double.
Walker Buehler wasn’t able to keep the Dodgers ahead as the Phillies responded with three runs in the top of the fourth.
Austin Barnes’ RBI single in the bottom half of the inning — his second hit of the game — gave the Dodgers a 6-5 advantage.
Buehler retired the side in order in the fifth inning, his only time doing so on the night. That also marked the end of the road at 82 pitches and five runs allowed on a season-high nine hits. Buehler started on normal rest, but manager Dave Roberts acknowledged before the game the Dodgers had preferred to give him an extra day.
That no longer became a possibility when Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right SI joint inflammation.
Dodgers bullpen woes continue
While Buehler exited with a lead, Alex Vesia immediately found himself in trouble upon entering in the sixth inning. He exited without retiring any of the three batters faced and responsible for the bases being loaded.
Evan Phillips didn’t fare much better, allowing three runs before getting out of the inning. He was aided by Taylor throwing out Bryce Harper at home plate on a Nick Castellanos single that only scored one run.
Harper added a solo home run off Phil Bickford in the eighth inning to provide the Phillies bullpen with temporary breathing room. Harper improved to 5-for-8 with three doubles, two home runs and five RBI through the first two games of the series at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth but only scored once in what itself was a gift as Brad Hand hit Trea Turner on his back foot. Then in the ninth, Justin Turner’s second home run of the season pulled L.A. even.
Brusdar Graterol became the next Dodgers relief pitcher to struggle as he allowed three runs (two earned) in the 10th. Graterol was nearly bailed out by Francisco Morales, who failed to find the strike zone with any semblance of consistency.
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